History of "Hail to California" (source: Cal Band page) "Hail to California" was written by Clinton "Brick" Morse while improvising at the piano in 1907. He was asked by University President Benjamin Ide Wheeler and Professor Gayley to write songs for the rooting section, and "Hail to California" was one of many he composed (see "Sons of California"). Morse's sentiment was that "Sons of California" and "Hail to California" would be "nothing unless sung in harmony." The fraternities began to sing "Hail to California" (though not in harmony), and its popularity subsequently spread. In fact, "Hail to California" has often threatened to supplant "All Hail Blue and Gold" as the official Alma Mater of UC Berkeley. Indeed, "Hail to California" is used as the Alma Mater of UC Davis, UCLA, and of the UC system as a whole.